FINAL BILL REPORT

 

                           ESB 5423

 

                           C 55 L 93

 

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

 

 

Brief Description:  Developing a public transportation policy plan.

 

SPONSORS: Senators Skratek and Prince; by request of Department of Transportation

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

 

 

BACKGROUND:

 

While transit service is essentially a local government responsibility in Washington, there is a significant state interest in assuring that viable transit service is available throughout the state.  Recent legislative enactments such as growth management and transportation demand management emphasize that state interest. 

 

At the federal level, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) requires that transit projects funded with federal transit funds be included in a state transportation improvement program (TIP) and a public transportation management system be developed by the state in cooperation with regional and local public transportation agencies.

 

Currently, there is no state requirement for a state-level transit plan to guide local transit agencies.  During the last several years, the Washington State Department of Transportation has established an extensive state transportation policy planning effort.  This last year a subcommittee of this group was formed to address the state's goals for public transportation.

 

SUMMARY:

 

The Department of Transportation is directed to develop a state public transportation plan as part of an overall statewide transportation plan.  The public transportation plan must articulate the state interest in public transportation and identify goals and the agencies responsible for achieving each of them.  The plan must also include the following recommendations:  ways to better coordinate public transportation planning; mechanisms to coordinate public transportation with other transportation modes and services; funding allocation criteria for federal funds; and the facilities and equipment management system required by federal law.

 

In developing the plan the department must involve interested parties including public and private providers of public transportation, nonmotorized interests, cities, counties and other state agencies.

 

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

 

Senate    49   0

House     96   0

 

EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993